The latest wolf count in the Northern Rockies shows 15 wolves that ventured into Yellowstone over the past year were legally killed in Idaho, Montana or Wyoming hunts.
Most recently, two wolves from the Lamar Canyon Pack - its infamous alpha female 832F, also known as "06" and its beta male, 754M have been killed in Wyoming.
Wolfwatcher considers its educational mission to be among its most important priorities. Since Yellowstone wolf 832F's ("O6") passing, we received an overwhelming number of emails and messages recounting the experiences of our supporters in the park as they observed her travails as the alpha of the Lamar Canyon Pack.
We have concluded that "06" was, perhaps,
one of the best educators for her species!
Since her loss, we remain committed to continuing 832F's educational legacy. Thus, we began a fund raising campaign that includes the sale of this commemorative hoodie which features an image of "06" designed by esteemed graphic artist, Wolfwatcher's Media Director, Chris Cross. 100 percent of the proceeds will support three educational initiatives:
1 - The Yellowstone Park Foundation - While the federal government provides funding for the basic monitoring of wolves in Yellowstone, it does not fund the Yellowstone Wolf Project's equipment needs, long-term research on the wolf's impacts on the ecosystem, sufficient aerial monitoring, or the staff necessary to run the project effectively on a day-to-day basis. The funds we help to raise for this nonprofit Foundation will help make up for the wolf project's funding shortfalls.
2 - The Yellowstone Association - a nonprofit organization that is the National Park Service's primary partner in providing educational programs, exhibits, and publications for park visitors and has furnished over $27 million in support for Yellowstone since its inception in 1933.
3 - Wolfwatcher's "Project: Yellowstone" - an annual initiative which invites supporters from around the nation to join us in Yellowstone for one week to observe wolves in the wild and learn more about them via programs taught by the experts.
So far, our Project: Yellowstone Campaign has been a resounding success; several hundred hoodies have been purchased, and more orders arrive every day. We will be awarding the Yellowstone Park Foundation and Yellowstone Association their first checks in early February. We hope to share the details of this special event soon.
In the meantime, we appreciate receiving your photos and stories about '06 and wolf watching in Yellowstone and other places. This photo, in particular, caught our eye...
This is Turner Burns, a member of Wolfwatcher's Junior Advisory. He proudly shares his love of wolves with everyone he meets. He symbolizes for us the impact of 'O6's story; it surely will reach well beyond her years and it will be the impetus for change among the group that promises us the most hope -- our youth!
Science-based research and education are critical to the mission of wolf recovery. By wearing this hoodie, you can help continue 06's legacy by directly supporting programs that encourage an understanding of and peaceful coexistence with wolves on the landscape.
